The Ministry of Health informs consumers that the Health Services of the Ministry have received relevant information through the Early Warning System for Food and Feed (RASFF), according to which cases of poisoning have been identified in Germany and the Netherlands, with one death in Germany following the consumption of a drink from a 3 litre bottle of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial champagne which, after investigation, was found to contain the hard drug MDMA (also known as ecstasy). It is noted that the bottle was purchased from an unknown source online.
At this stage it is not known how the drug MDMA ended up in these bottles and it cannot be assessed whether there are any more of these bottles containing the dangerous substance in circulation. It cannot be ruled out that other bottles of the same brand containing MDMA are in circulation.
What to look out for
The Health Services of the Ministry of Health urges consumers to be alert for 3 litre bottles of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial with batch code LAJ7QAB6780004 originating in France. This code can be found on the label on the back of the bottle (see photo below). The bottles containing the drug MDMA cannot be distinguished externally from the bottles of champagne. But when the contents are emptied, there is a clear difference.
MDMA liquid:
- DOES NOT PASS
- Has a reddish-brown colour, which darkens over time
- Has an aniseed flavour.
What to do if you don't trust a bottle
- DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING! Even dipping a finger in the liquid and tasting it can lead to serious health problems, even without ingestion. Taking a small sip can be fatal.
- If you do not trust an open bottle, it is important to leave bottles and glasses untouched.
- Notify the health service immediately.
In view of the above, the Health Services warn the consuming public to exercise caution when consuming beverages whose origin is unclear. In addition, caution is recommended, especially when shopping privately on the Internet.
(SX)
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